Health: Advice on ... Dyslexia

Q: How many teenagers are believed to have dyslexia?

The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) believes that up to 10 per cent of teenagers have some form of dyslexia and that four per cent are severely affected. It is a common belief that boys are affected more than girls but this has not been proven.

Girls tend to be more withdrawn when they have problems, which means that those around them may not be aware of the struggles they are experiencing.

In some ethnic groups dyslexia is not well understood and there can be a stigma attached, so young people from these groups may be reluctant to come forward.

Q: What is dyslexia and is there a known cause of the condition?

Dyslexia is a combination of problems that affect reading, spelling and writing. It can cause difficulties in the speed of processing information, with short-term memory, an individual's ability to organise, sequencing, spoken language and motor skills. No two individuals are affected by dyslexia in exactly the same way.

Common signs of dyslexia among young people include: confusing left and right; misunderstanding complicated questions; difficulty retaining lists of instructions in their memory; being disorganised or forgetful; signs of immaturity or clumsiness; problems relating to others and, in particular, problems in reading body language; and excessive tiredness because of the amount of concentration and effort required.

Researchers continue to explore genetic links but there are contributory factors that can exacerbate the problem. For example, lots of ear infections as a child can impede listening skills, and late visual development can have an effect too.

Dyslexics may have many of the indicators of dyslexia or just a few - it depends on the severity of the problem. There is no cure but coping strategies can be taught that allow young people with the condition to achieve good qualifications and find suitable employment in the future.

Q: What approaches work?

There are lots of expensive therapies available but these may not necessarily work. Basic skill classes tend not to work either because they repeat the methods experienced at school.

Dyslexics need to be taught by specialist teachers so that their particular difficulties can be worked on in a way that helps the young person. Multi-sensory teaching methods are clear and simple in their approach, using more of the senses, especially the use of touch and movement. This will give the brain tactile and kinetic memories to hang on to, as well as visual and auditory ones.

Dyslexics may have good days and bad days and a teacher who is experienced with working with young people with the condition should be able to adjust what they teach to accommodate this. There is also quite a lot of IT software that could be helpful and fun. Some dyslexics have low self-esteem because they have failed in the past so informed support is also essential.

Q: What should I do if a dyslexic young person attends my youth group?

It would be a good idea to have a word in private with the young person to see what they would find helpful. Don't treat them differently or single them out in front of others, but ensure that instructions are clear, and not too many are given at one time. Reading material should be dyslexia-friendly. Writing difficulties can be overcome by recording material or by giving hand-outs.

The BDA also recommends that youth workers take an awareness course so that they are familiar with the simple ways of coping with dyslexia in groups. Strategies that are good for dyslexics are often helpful to everyone.

- Sue Flohr is national helpline manager for the British Dyslexia Association

MORE INFO

- British Dyslexia Association. www.bdadyslexia.org.uk or call the national helpline on 0845 251 9002

- The BDA also runs training courses to help parents, teachers and others understand dyslexia. Contact the BDA on 0845 251 9003

- Dyslexia Action is a provider of services and support for people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties. 01784 222300.